Image forming apparatus, control method, program

Abstract

When configuring settings to suit the user's purpose, it was difficult to achieve multiple conflicting objectives. [Solution] The image forming apparatus stores an influence setting list that shows the setting items that affect each evaluation item, and an influence management table that includes the degree of influence of each setting value for each evaluation item on each evaluation item. In response to an input request for setting multiple setting items at once, the image forming apparatus obtains an evaluation value for each evaluation item corresponding to the request based on the influence setting list and the influence management table, and updates the settings of the image forming apparatus with the combination of setting values ​​for each setting item that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation item corresponding to the request, based on the obtained evaluation values.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program, and more particularly to control of setting changes in a printing apparatus, for example.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, printing apparatuses such as printers and copiers are equipped with various functions and have many setting items. Along with this, the hierarchy of the setting menu has become complicated, making it difficult for users to find the setting items for achieving their purposes.

[0003] Also, for setting items that directly control the behavior of the apparatus, it is difficult for users to understand what functions will be affected from the user's perspective. For example, when a setting for performing resolution conversion processing is made, it is conceivable that the image quality of the printed result will be improved while the productivity will be reduced. However, it is difficult for users without specialized knowledge to understand such effects from the setting menu. Therefore, there is a need for functions that allow users to make intuitive settings and technologies that automatically optimize operations. In Patent Document 1, a method is disclosed in which the operation history of the apparatus and the preferences of the user are collected and analyzed, and the operation change means extracted therefrom are automatically executed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, prior art does not take into account the possibility of conflicts arising in user preferences. For example, consider a case where two preferences are important: "printing with high image quality" and "printing at high speed." As mentioned earlier, image quality and productivity are generally inversely related, and with this technology, satisfying one preference means not being able to satisfy the other.

[0006] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a technology that determines and sets settings that satisfy the user's requirements when a request for multiple purposes is made. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus, A storage means for storing an influence setting list that shows the setting items that affect each evaluation item, and an influence management table that includes the degree of influence on each evaluation item for each setting value of the setting item, An evaluation means that, in response to the input of a request to set multiple setting items at once, calculates an evaluation value for each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request based on the impact setting list and the impact management table, Based on the evaluation values ​​obtained by the evaluation means, a setting means updates the settings of the image forming apparatus with the combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. has An image forming apparatus characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when multiple requirements are made for different purposes, it is possible to easily determine and set settings that satisfy the user's requirements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a printer, an example of a printing device. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a printer, which is an example of a printing device. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the process of determining and setting configuration values ​​that meet user requirements in a batch. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates an example of a menu screen for intuitive batch settings. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an impact setting list by evaluation item. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an impact setting list. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting combination pattern. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an impact management table. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of a screen for setting the lower limit of the impact level. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates how the total impact of setting combinations that do not yield a certain level of positive effect is calculated from the impact management table. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates how the total impact of a combination of settings that yield a certain positive effect is calculated from the impact management table. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating an example of the setup failure screen. [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a warning screen for a decrease in performance. [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating an example of the display screen for confirming settings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] <Hardware Configuration of Printer> The configuration of an inkjet printer 100, which is an example of a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus), will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 100, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the printer 100.

[0012] The printer 100 includes a ROM 101, a RAM 102, a CPU 103, a network communication unit 104, a display unit 105, an operation unit 106, a scanner unit 107, a print unit 108 that performs image forming processing, and the like.

[0013] The ROM 101 stores fixed data such as control programs, data tables, and OS programs executed by the CPU 103. In the present embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 101 performs software execution control such as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 101.

[0014] The RAM 102 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like that requires a backup power supply. The RAM 102 is also used as the main memory and work memory of the CPU 103, and stores a reception buffer for temporarily storing print information received from a PC or the like and various types of information. The RAM 102 also stores image data and the like received by the network communication unit 104.

[0015] The CPU 103 is a system control unit and a central processing unit for controlling each unit within the printer 100. The CPU 103 controls the printer 100 by executing programs stored in the ROM 101 and programs loaded into the RAM 102.

[0016] The network communication unit 104 connects to a network such as the Internet or a local area network and communicates with other devices.

[0017] The display unit 105 consists of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LCDs (liquid crystal displays), and is used to display data and notify the status of the printer 100.

[0018] The operation unit 106 consists of switches, hard keys, etc., for the user to perform various input operations. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the touch panel 201, the display unit 105 can be integrated with the operation unit 106 to function as an operation unit.

[0019] In printer 100, the scanning function is implemented by the scanner unit 107, and the printing function is implemented by the print unit 108.

[0020] The CPU 103 executes a control program to control the scanner unit 107, optically reading the document placed on the glass-like transparent document glass 202 and converting it into electronic data (image data). The CPU 103 further transmits the image data, converted to a specified file format, to an external device via the network or stores it in the RAM 102. In this embodiment, a flatbed scanner using a document glass is used, but an automatic document feeder type that automatically feeds documents placed in a document tray into a document feeder and reads the documents may also be used.

[0021] The print unit 108 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using colorants such as ink, based on information stored in the ROM 101 and RAM 102, or print jobs received from a PC or the like, and outputs the print result. The print unit 108 is equipped with, for example, four print heads for yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. Each print head ejects the colorant of the corresponding color when an ink tank is attached, forming an image. The print result formed by the print unit 108 is discharged from the print result output port 203.

[0022] The printer 100 achieves its copying function by coordinating the scanner unit 107 and the print unit 108. The copying function is achieved by transferring the image data generated by scanning with the scanner unit 107 to the print unit 108, and then the print unit 108 records the image onto a recording medium based on that image data.

[0023] The aforementioned components are interconnected via bus 109, enabling them to send and receive data from each other.

[0024] <Batch configuration process> The following describes the setting process performed by the printer 100 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process in which the printer 100 detects input from an intuitive menu and sets various setting items all at once. In this example, the printer's print settings are used as an example, but this embodiment can be applied not only to print settings but also to settings of other devices and systems.

[0025] The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 are performed by the CPU 103 of the printer 100 loading program code stored in the disk drive or ROM 101, etc., into the RAM 102 and executing it. This flowchart process is performed when the batch settings are accepted.

[0026] ● Menu screen for setting objectives Figure 4 shows an example of a menu screen for intuitive batch settings. This screen may be displayed, for example, when batch settings are selected from the printer settings screen provided by the printer driver. Alternatively, it may be displayed when batch settings are selected from the print settings screen provided by an application such as a document processing application. Batch setting refers to setting multiple settings items at once according to a request. The menu screen 400 is output (displayed) on the display unit 105, allowing the user to specify settings at a request or objective level. Checking checkbox 401 specifies settings for achieving high-quality printing. High-quality printing is evaluated using the image quality evaluation item. Similarly, checking checkbox 402 specifies settings for high-speed printing, checkbox 403 for ink saving, and checkbox 404 for quiet operation. The settings corresponding to these requests are evaluated, in order, using the productivity, consumable consumption, and quietness evaluation items. Pressing the setting button 405 executes the batch setting process specifying the checked settings (or requests). In the example in Figure 4, settings are made to achieve high-quality and high-speed printing. In this embodiment, the case of specifying two objectives is explained, but it is possible to achieve the greatest effect by performing the same process for three or more objectives, or even for just one objective.

[0027] The evaluation items corresponding to the selected objective from the menu screen in Figure 4 can be evaluated, and appropriate setting values ​​can be set for each setting item in the process shown in Figure 3. The process in Figure 3 starts when the setting button 405 is pressed (or touched on the touch panel) and the request is accepted.

[0028] In S301, CPU103 generates an impact setting list for the objective selected by the checkbox in Figure 4. The impact setting list is a list of setting items that affect the evaluation value of the evaluation item corresponding to the specified objective.

[0029] ●Examples of setting items included in the impact setting list for each evaluation item Figure 5 shows an example of an evaluation item-specific influence setting list used to generate an influence setting list. The evaluation item-specific influence setting list is a list of setting items that affect the evaluation value for each evaluation item, and is created in advance and stored, for example, in ROM 101. Figure 5(a) is an evaluation item-specific influence setting list 501 that includes setting items that affect image quality for the printer 100. Similarly, Figures 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) are influence setting lists 502, 503, and 504, which include setting items that affect productivity, productivity, consumable consumption, and noise level, respectively. These lists are lists of setting items that affect each evaluation item corresponding to the purpose (or requirement) of the checkbox selected on the menu screen 400. Each setting item can also be set by the user, but in this embodiment, according to the purpose selected by the user from the menu screen 400, the setting values ​​corresponding to the purpose are set collectively for each setting item.

[0030] The individual setting items included in the evaluation item impact setting list shown in Figure 5 include, for example, the following. The resolution conversion setting included in Figures 5(a), (b), and (c) is the process of converting image data to the target resolution. Here, for example, the setting may convert the target resolution to a given resolution, such as the resolution of the print unit 108. If the target resolution is set to a given value, the resolution conversion setting value will be either on or off. If the resolution conversion setting value is on, the resolution conversion process will be executed, and productivity may decrease due to the overhead of this process. Also, if the resolution conversion setting value is on, the consumption of consumables required for image formation, especially colorants such as ink and toner, may increase compared to when it is off.

[0031] The high-resolution printing priority settings shown in Figures 5(a), (b), and (c) are settings that allow you to choose between prioritizing image quality or speed, with the setting value indicating which priority is taken. If image quality is prioritized, processing time will be required for high-quality processing, which may reduce productivity.

[0032] The automatic tone correction priority settings shown in Figures 5(a) and (c) are settings that allow you to choose between prioritizing image quality or prioritizing consumable lifespan. For example, if image quality priority is set, a test image is formed on a sheet or on the carrier of the print unit 108, which is then read and tone correction is performed. When automatic tone correction is performed, consumables such as sheets and colorants are consumed, but image quality is improved. On the other hand, if consumable lifespan priority is set, automatic tone correction is not performed.

[0033] The print quality settings shown in Figures 5(a), (b), and (c) are not on / off options, but rather settings that allow you to set quality levels. Print quality can be set to, for example, three levels, but it is not limited to this. In this example, the print quality has three levels: "high quality," "standard," and "fast." "High quality" means a higher print quality than "standard," and "fast" means a lower print quality than "standard." As the print quality is set higher, the image quality is better, but productivity decreases because image processing and printing take more time, and the consumption of consumables also increases.

[0034] The consumable saving settings shown in Figures 5(a) and (c) are settings that can be set to either on or off. When set to on, the system performs processes to reduce the consumption of consumables, especially colorants such as ink. To save consumables, the system may, for example, make the text thinner or lighten the colors of images, but this comes at the cost of reduced image quality.

[0035] The silent printing mode settings shown in Figures 5(b) and (d) are settings that can be set to either on or off. When silent printing mode is turned on, or enabled, the operating speed of the engine is reduced during printing, thereby reducing operating noise and improving quietness. On the other hand, the reduced engine operating speed will decrease the productivity of the printed output.

[0036] The communication volume setting and key input sound setting shown in Figure 5(d) differ from other settings in that they do not affect multiple purposes. Enabling (turning on) the key input sound setting will produce an input sound when the control unit 106 is operated, thus reducing quietness. In this example, the communication volume setting can be set to three levels: "none" (no communication sound), "low" (communication sound at a low volume), and "high" (communication sound at a louder volume than "low"). In all cases, the quietness will be compromised due to the generation of sound, but regardless of the setting, there will be no impact on image quality, productivity, or consumption of consumables.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 5, the list of settings that affect each evaluation item shows that all settings except for the communication volume setting and the key input sound setting affect multiple evaluation items.

[0038] As described above, the evaluation item impact setting list lists the settings that have an impact, whether positive or negative, on each evaluation item corresponding to the requirement (or objective) selected on menu screen 400. The evaluation item impact setting list shown in Figure 5 is just one example, and the evaluation items and the settings that affect them are not limited to those exemplified here.

[0039] ● Example of an impact setting list Figure 6 shows an example of the impact setting list generated in step S301. The impact setting list 600 is a list of setting items that affect evaluation items corresponding to all the objectives checked in Figure 4, and is generated by combining them based on the selected evaluation item-specific impact setting lists. The example in Figure 6 shows the impact setting list generated when high-quality printing and high-speed printing are selected as objectives, and it combines the contents of the evaluation item-specific impact setting lists in Figure 5(a) (high-quality printing) and Figure 5(b) (high-speed printing). The combination of evaluation item-specific impact setting lists is performed by calculating the sum of the evaluation item-specific impact setting lists, and as a result of the combination, an impact setting list is generated that contains one setting item from each of the selected evaluation item-specific impact setting lists.

[0040] In step S301, the CPU 103 reads the evaluation item-specific impact setting list corresponding to the selected objective from the evaluation item-specific impact setting list stored in the ROM 101, generates an impact setting list, and saves the generated impact setting list to the RAM 102.

[0041] In S302, the CPU 103 generates combination patterns for all setting items included in the influence setting list. Figure 7(a) is an example of a table in which setting codes are assigned to the possible setting values ​​for each setting item, based on the influence setting list generated in S301. In Figure 7(a), the letters AF are assigned to the setting items, and numbers are assigned to the possible values ​​for each setting item to form setting codes. Figure 7(b) is an example of a list 700 that lists all combination patterns of the aforementioned setting codes. In this example, all combination patterns of settings that affect high-quality printing and high-speed printing are generated, and 96 patterns are determined. Each combination pattern is assigned a unique pattern ID. In step S302, this list 700 of combination patterns is generated and stored in RAM 102.

[0042] In S303, the CPU 103 reads the impact management table from the ROM 101. The impact management table is a table that manages the degree of influence that each setting value has on each evaluation item of the printer 100.

[0043] ● Impact Management Table Figure 8 shows an example of the Impact Management Table 800. The numbers represent the impact on each evaluation item for each setting value, with positive numbers indicating a positive impact and negative numbers indicating a negative impact. For example, setting resolution conversion to ON has a positive impact of +20 on image quality, but a negative impact of -10 on productivity due to the time required for the conversion process, and a negative impact of -5 on consumables due to increased ink consumption. The impact on noise level is 0, indicating no impact. In the example in Figure 8, if productivity is taken as an evaluation item, it can be seen that the total impact can range from 35 to -55 depending on the combination of setting values.

[0044] In S304, the CPU 103 reads the acceptable lower limit of influence from the ROM 101. When settings are made with multiple objectives specified, depending on the combination of setting values, it may not be possible to achieve a significant positive effect. Therefore, a lower limit of influence is set in advance as the lower limit for determining whether a positive effect can be obtained, and a combination of settings where the evaluation value exceeds the lower limit of influence is determined to be a setting that has achieved a certain level of positive effect. In this embodiment, 15 is set as the lower limit of influence.

[0045] The lower limit of the impact can be changed by the user. Figure 9 shows an example of the screen for setting the lower limit of the impact. The setting of the lower limit of the impact is output to the display unit 105. The lower limit of the impact is updated by entering the lower limit of the impact in the text box 901 and pressing the setting button 902. The set lower limit of the impact is stored in the ROM 101 (in the case of a writable ROM) or RAM 102. Therefore, if the user sets the lower limit, the acceptable lower limit of the impact is read from RAM 102 in S304. In this case, the lower limit is not limited to 15, but is the set value. An upper limit, a lower limit, or both of the settable lower limit values ​​can also be set. For example, in the setting screen of Figure 9, the lower limit of the settable value is 5 and the upper limit is 30. Therefore, the user can set a value within this range as the acceptable lower limit of the impact. Alternatively, an initial value such as 15 can be provided, and if the user does not set a value, that initial value can be used as the lower limit.

[0046] In S305, CPU103 holds a predetermined value, for example 0, as a provisional maximum value for the total impact. This provisional maximum value for the total impact is used to determine the setting pattern that has the greatest impact.

[0047] In S306, CPU 103 starts a loop processing of the combination patterns of settings. That is, for each combination pattern of all setting values ​​generated in S302, as illustrated in Figure 7(b), it executes the processes from S307 to S311. In the example where the goal is high-quality printing and high-speed printing, the processes from S307 to S311 are repeated 96 times, the number of combination patterns of setting values ​​generated from the setting items in the influence setting list corresponding to the selected purpose, changing the pattern each time.

[0048] In S307, CPU103 focuses on one of the combination patterns of setting values ​​and calculates the total influence (also called the evaluation value) for each evaluation item corresponding to the selected objective, according to the combination pattern it focuses on. For example, if the first pattern selected is high-quality printing and high-speed printing as objectives, it calculates the total influence of the setting combination of pattern ID01 in Figure 7(b) for each of the evaluation items "image quality" and "productivity" corresponding to the selected objective.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of calculating the total impact, i.e., the evaluation value, of the setting combinations in pattern ID 01 from the impact management table. When the impact of the setting values ​​included in pattern ID 01 is summed up for each evaluation item according to the values ​​set in the impact management table 800, the impact on image quality is 5 and the impact on productivity is 5. That is, when the formula A1+B1+C1+D1+E1+F1 of pattern ID 01 in Figure 7(b) is evaluated by referring to the impact management table 800 in Figure 8, the results for image quality are 0-15+0+0+20+0=5 and for productivity are 0+15+0+0-10+0=5.

[0050] In S308, CPU 103 performs a comparison process between the lower limit of influence and the total influence of each evaluation item obtained in S307. If even one of the total influences of any of the evaluation items falls below the lower limit of influence, the process returns to S306 and repeats from S307 for the next combination pattern. The next combination pattern may be determined, for example, according to the pattern ID. In the case of Figure 10, the total influence of each evaluation item is 5, and if the lower limit of influence is set to 15, it is determined that no positive influence will be obtained. Therefore, the check for the next pattern starts from S306. In this way, if an evaluation value below the lower limit of influence is obtained for any of the evaluation items, the combination patterns of the setting values ​​for each such setting item are not subject to the overall evaluation. Therefore, such combination patterns, i.e., combinations of setting values, are not identified as setting values ​​for the batch setting.

[0051] If the sum of the impact values ​​for all evaluation items is above the lower limit of the impact value, it is determined that a certain level of positive impact is obtained, and the process proceeds to S309. Figure 11 shows an example of calculating the sum of the impact values ​​of a setting combination that yields a certain level of positive impact from the impact management table. In this example, the combination pattern is A2+B1+C1+D2+E3+F1, and the sum of the impact value on image quality, i.e., the evaluation value, is 20, and the sum of the impact value on productivity is 25, both of which are above the lower limit of the impact value. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to S309.

[0052] In S309, the CPU 103 adds up the total impact for each evaluation item to obtain a total impact value, or total evaluation value, as an overall evaluation of all evaluation items corresponding to the set requirements. In the example in Figure 11, the total impact on image quality and the total impact on productivity are added together, and the total impact for all evaluation items is 20 + 25 = 45.

[0053] In S310, CPU 103 compares the provisional maximum value of the total impact with the total impact calculated in S309. If the total impact obtained in S309 exceeds the provisional maximum value, CPU 103 updates the provisional maximum value in S311 and stores the current combination pattern of interest in RAM 102, etc. If there is already a combination pattern stored at this time, the stored combination pattern is updated with the current combination pattern of interest. By performing the comparison process in each loop, the pattern with the largest total impact is ultimately stored. In the comparison process in S310, if the total impact obtained in S309 is less than or equal to the provisional maximum value, the provisional maximum value is not updated, and the process returns to S306 and repeats from S307 for the next combination pattern. If the total impact obtained in S309 is the same as the provisional maximum value, the combination pattern does not need to be updated. However, by arranging the list in Figure 7(b) in descending order of priority, it is possible to pre-set the priority in the case of ties. In that case, if the priority of the retained combination pattern is higher than the priority of the current combination pattern of interest, the combination pattern is not updated; otherwise, the combination pattern retained by the current combination pattern of interest may be updated.

[0054] Thus, if the total impact calculated in S309 is less than or equal to the provisional maximum value, the corresponding combination pattern, i.e., the combination of setting values, will not be identified as a setting value for the batch setting.

[0055] After comparing all patterns, in S312, it is confirmed that the provisional maximum value of the total impact has been updated from a predetermined value (the initial value, which is the value set in S305). In other words, it is determined whether the provisional maximum value is the initial value (0 in this embodiment). If it has not been updated, that is, if there is no combination of setting values ​​for each setting item that results in a provisional maximum value exceeding the predetermined value, the CPU 103 displays a warning in S315 and then terminates the batch setting process. In other words, in this case, the combination pattern of setting values ​​for each setting item that is currently under consideration is not subject to updating the settings in S313. On the other hand, if there is a combination of setting values ​​for each setting item that results in a provisional maximum value of the total impact exceeding the predetermined value, the combination of setting values ​​for each setting item that gives the maximum value of the total impact is set as the new setting for the printer 100.

[0056] The case where the provisional maximum value of the total impact has not been updated from the initial value is when the total impact for all evaluation items is equal to or greater than the lower limit of impact, and there are no combination patterns of setting items in which the total impact exceeds 0. In other words, it can also be said that there are no combinations of setting values ​​for each setting item that were subject to overall evaluation, nor are there any combinations of setting values ​​for each setting item that were subject to setting updates.

[0057] If the lower limit of influence is set to a positive value, then in combination patterns where the total influence for all evaluation items is greater than or equal to the lower limit of influence, the total influence will exceed 0. Therefore, in that case, if the provisional maximum value of the total influence has not been updated from the initial value, it can be said that there were no combination patterns of setting items where the total influence for all evaluation items was greater than or equal to the lower limit of influence. Thus, by changing the lower limit of influence, it is possible that the setting will succeed if the setting process is performed again. Figure 12 is an example of a setting failure screen displayed in S315. The setting of the lower limit of influence affects whether or not S311 is executed. Therefore, the display unit 105 outputs a message indicating that the setting failed and that it is likely to succeed by resetting the lower limit, and notifies the user of this.

[0058] In S313, the CPU 103 updates each setting item stored in the ROM 101 with the setting value of the combination pattern with the greatest total impact. The printer 100 then operates according to these updated settings. In this way, settings that yield the greatest effect for multiple purposes specified by the user can be made. The combination pattern with the greatest total impact is the combination pattern ultimately retained in S311, so by referring to it, the setting items to be set and their setting values ​​can be identified, and the settings can be updated. For example, as shown in the example in Figure 11, suppose A2+B1+C1+D2+E3+F1 is the combination pattern of setting items retained at the time of processing in S313. In this case, to correspond to the symbols included in this pattern, the resolution conversion is set to "on", the priority setting for high-resolution printing to "speed", the silent printing mode to "off", the priority setting for automatic gradation correction to "image quality", the print quality to "fast", and consumable saving to "off". Other settings can be left as they are.

[0059] By the way, when the setting process of this embodiment is performed, performance may deteriorate due to the setting change for requirements or purposes not specified by the user. In the example in Figure 11, the consumption of consumables increases compared to before the setting change. Since the user has not specified this as a purpose, it can be determined that they do not have high demands regarding the consumption of consumables. However, even in such cases, if there are evaluation items whose evaluation values ​​decrease, a warning display to that effect may be shown. Figure 13 is an example of a warning display screen for a decrease in evaluation values ​​related to an evaluation item, i.e., a decrease in performance related to that evaluation item. By displaying a warning on the display unit 105 before performing the setting update process in S313, it is possible to further prevent a decrease in user satisfaction.

[0060] In this way, the display unit 105 outputs a message indicating that changing the settings may result in a decrease in the evaluation value for a specific evaluation item, i.e., a decrease in performance, and notifies the user of this. In other words, if there are combinations of setting values ​​for each setting item that are subject to updating in S313, a message like the one in Figure 13 may be output before updating the settings in S313, indicating that there are evaluation items with low evaluation values, for example, negative values. In the example in Figure 13, only the OK button can be selected, but for example, a Cancel button may be provided, and if Cancel is selected, the process may be terminated without updating the settings.

[0061] In S314, the CPU 103 outputs a setting confirmation screen showing the changed settings to the display unit 105. Figure 14 is an example of the setting confirmation screen. Here, only the updated settings are output, and the batch setting process is completed when the user presses the OK button 1401. In this way, the display unit 105 notifies the user that the settings have been completed and displays a message showing the contents of the settings.

[0062] The configuration and processing procedure described above allow users to select an objective or requirement without having to configure individual settings, thereby enhancing overall image formation performance while satisfying the selected objective or requirement. Furthermore, by setting a lower limit for the evaluation value for the selected objective or requirement, it is possible to prevent any evaluation item corresponding to the selected objective or requirement from being set below the lower limit. Therefore, even if seemingly incompatible requirements or objectives are selected, appropriate settings can be made according to those requirements or objectives. Moreover, this does not require the user to have detailed knowledge, thus improving user convenience.

[0063] Furthermore, by appropriately defining a list of influences that form the basis of the evaluation values, even more appropriate settings can be achieved. Also, since multiple settings can be configured at once, the configuration process can be made more efficient. In addition, users can configure settings by specifying requirements and objectives, making the process more intuitive and improving usability. Moreover, settings can be tailored to the specified requirements and objectives, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the evaluation items were limited to four categories: image quality, productivity, consumable consumption, and noise level. Users could select the corresponding requirements and objectives. However, the evaluation items are not limited to these, and other evaluation items and corresponding requirements and objectives may be added. Conversely, the evaluation items may be limited to only a portion of these four categories. Furthermore, the settings that affect each evaluation item are not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment. Other items may be added, or the settings may be limited to only a portion of the examples. In addition, the impact management table is not limited to the exemplified values. An impact management table with values ​​that reflect performance, which vary depending on the printer model and driver version, may be used.

[0065] [Other examples] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0066] ●Summary of Embodiments The above embodiments can be summarized as follows: (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, A storage means for storing an influence setting list that shows the setting items that affect each evaluation item, and an influence management table that includes the degree of influence on each evaluation item for each setting value of the setting item, An evaluation means that, in response to the input of a request to set multiple setting items at once, calculates an evaluation value for each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request based on the impact setting list and the impact management table, Based on the evaluation values ​​obtained by the evaluation means, a setting means updates the settings of the image forming apparatus with the combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. has An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The image forming apparatus described in item 1, The evaluation means determines the evaluation value for each of the evaluation items based on the degree of influence on each of the evaluation items for each combination of setting values ​​of the setting items that affect each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 3) The image forming apparatus described in item 2, The setting means shall not include in the overall evaluation any combination of setting values ​​for any of the evaluation items corresponding to the request such that the evaluation value falls below the lower limit. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 4) The image forming apparatus described in item 3, It further has an input means for accepting input from the user, The input means accepts the input of the lower limit value. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 5) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, The setting means does not update the settings for combinations of setting values ​​for each setting item if the overall evaluation of the evaluation item corresponding to the request does not exceed a predetermined value. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 6) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, It further has an input means for accepting input from the user, The input means receives the input of the request. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 7) The image forming apparatus described in item 6, The input means accepts a request selected from among the requests displayed on the menu screen. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 8) An image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 7, The evaluation criteria for the aforementioned requirements include at least one of image quality, productivity, consumables, and noise level. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 9) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, The evaluation criteria for the aforementioned requirements include at least one of image quality, productivity, consumables, and noise level. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 10) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 9, The aforementioned settings include at least one of the following: resolution conversion, high-resolution printing priority, silent printing mode, automatic tone correction priority, print quality, communication volume, key input sound, and consumable saving. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 11) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, If there are no combinations of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that were subject to the overall evaluation, nor any combinations of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that were subject to updating by the setting means, the output means will output that the setting has failed. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 12) An image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 11, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, If there is a combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that are subject to updating by the setting means, the output means outputs the evaluation item whose evaluation value becomes negative. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 13) An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 12, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, When the settings are updated by the setting means, the setting value of each of the setting items that were updated is output by the output means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 14) An image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 13, Image formation is performed according to the settings updated by the setting means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Item 15) A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus as described in any one of items 1 through 13. (Item 16) A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising: a storage means for storing an influence setting list indicating setting items that affect each evaluation item, an influence management table including the degree of influence of each setting value of each setting item on each evaluation item, an evaluation means, and a setting means, The evaluation means includes an evaluation step in which, in response to the input of a request to set multiple setting items at once, an evaluation value is obtained for each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request based on the impact setting list and the impact management table, The setting means updates the settings of the image forming apparatus based on the evaluation values ​​obtained in the evaluation step, using a combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. including A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the following:

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 101 ROM, 102 RAM, 103 CPU, 104 Network communication unit, 105 Display unit, 106 Operation unit, 107 Scanner unit, 108 Print unit, 109 System bus, 201 Touch panel, 202 Document glass, 203 Print output port

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A storage means for storing an influence setting list that shows the setting items that affect each evaluation item, and an influence management table that includes the degree of influence on each evaluation item for each setting value of the setting item, An evaluation means that, in response to the input of a request to set multiple setting items at once, calculates an evaluation value for each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request based on the impact setting list and the impact management table, Based on the evaluation values ​​obtained by the evaluation means, a setting means updates the settings of the image forming apparatus with the combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. has An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The evaluation means determines the evaluation value for each of the evaluation items based on the degree of influence on each of the evaluation items for each combination of setting values ​​of the setting items that affect each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2, The setting means shall not include in the overall evaluation any combination of setting values ​​for any of the evaluation items corresponding to the request such that the evaluation value falls below the lower limit. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, It further has an input means for accepting input from the user, The input means accepts the input of the lower limit value. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The setting means does not update the settings for combinations of setting values ​​for each setting item if the overall evaluation of the evaluation item corresponding to the request does not exceed a predetermined value. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, It further has an input means for accepting input from the user, The input means receives the input of the request. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

7. An image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The input means accepts a request selected from among the requests displayed on the menu screen. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The evaluation criteria for the aforementioned requirements include at least one of the following: image quality, productivity, consumables, and noise level. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

9. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The evaluation criteria for the aforementioned requirements include at least one of the following: image quality, productivity, consumables, and noise level. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

10. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned settings include at least one of the following: resolution conversion, high-resolution printing priority, silent printing mode, automatic tone correction priority, print quality, communication volume, key input sound, and consumable saving. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

11. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, If there are no combinations of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that were subject to the overall evaluation, nor any combinations of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that were subject to updating by the setting means, the output means will output that the setting has failed. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

12. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, If there is a combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that are subject to updating by the setting means, the output means outputs the evaluation item whose evaluation value becomes negative. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

13. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, It further has an output means for outputting a message to the user, When the settings are updated by the setting means, the setting value of each of the setting items that were updated is output by the output means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

14. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Image formation is performed according to the settings updated by the setting means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

15. A program for causing a computer to function as an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising: a storage means for storing an influence setting list indicating setting items that affect each evaluation item, an influence management table including the degree of influence of each setting value of each setting item on each evaluation item, an evaluation means, and a setting means, The evaluation means includes an evaluation step in which, in response to the input of a request to set multiple setting items at once, an evaluation value is obtained for each of the evaluation items corresponding to the request based on the impact setting list and the impact management table, The setting means updates the settings of the image forming apparatus based on the evaluation values ​​obtained in the evaluation step, using a combination of setting values ​​for each of the setting items that gives the highest overall evaluation of the evaluation items corresponding to the request. including A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by the following:

Images